The year has not been kind to the Philippines, from super typhoons, to corruption scandals to a reprehensible massacre, but the country has also been blessed with achievements by its people. From award-winning films to CNN's Hero of the Year, the Filipino has stamped her class onto this world. Sports was another field the FIlipinos excelled in, and as my year ender for 2009, I am naming my Pinoy Pride 2009 Top Filipino Athletes.
The much-maligned track team stepped up this past SEA Games. While eyes were mostly on the Taekwondo and Boxing teams, the tracksters quietly put together one of their best performances of recent history, winning a total of seven gold medals, including record-setting performances in hammer throw (Arniel Ferrera) and long jump (Maristella Torres). While none of these tracksters are expected to make waves on bigger stages like the Asian Games or Asian Championships, it's still nice to win in the SEA Games level.
The Filipino American who was touted as the key figure to revitalizing lawn tennis in the country did not disappoint, leading the Philippine Tennis Team to a two gold, two silver and three bronze medal finish in the 2009 SEA Games. The former 71st-ranked player in the ATP Tour accounted for two of the gold medals (Singles and Team Event), including an unprecedented all Filipino final against Treat Huey. While I maintain that Mamiit's continued exposure, while giving the country victories, may stymie the growth of young players like Nino Alcantara and P.J. Tierro, it is still nice to know that he is around, especially when we are bleeding for gold medals in the SEA Games.
With Philippine Chess Teams consistently fumbling, even in the SEA Games, it's nice to know that a true superstar has finally come out for the Philippines. 16 year old Wesley So, who emerged as the country's first GM, took the chess world by storm with a gutsy performance in the 2009 World Chess Cup. While he didn't take home the grand prize, So bewildered and stunned the well-established cast of players by defeating several experienced and highly-touted individuals. The Filipino Super GM (ELO rating 2640) first defeated GM Gadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan (ELO 2625) in the first round before thrashing Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine (ELO 2735). Then, So continued his winning ways against the Gata Kamsky of the United States (ELO 2695), booting out the defending World Chess Cup champion. While he lost his next match against Russian Super GM Vladimir Malakhov (ELO 2705), So went down fighting, extending their match into a tie breaker round. So's magical run was the best in Philippine history, not bad for somebody who still can't vote or buy liquor.
Pool has always been a source of pride in this country, but rarely does the country recognize its female stars. Blame it on the overwhelming presence of legends like Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante, but this year, Rubilen Amit made a case to be remembered. The diminutive, soft-spoken pool player made 2009 a career year, taking in not one but two world championships, the 2009 Women's 10 Ball World Championship and the 2009 World 10 Ball Mixed Doubles Championship (with Reyes). As if she feared she would still be forgotten, Amit then went ahead and produced a two gold performance in the 2009 SEA Games, winning both the 8 ball and 9 ball events. If the Filipino people get excited about pool, it might not be just because of our male players anymore. Amit has stamped her class.
It's quite an obvious choice, really. Him fighting is already enough to warrant him the top spot, what with his fights uniting the country and stopping crime temporarily. This year, though, Pac Man stepped into the history books by winning a seventh world title in a seventh weight division. He has effectively proven that he is the greatest FIlipino fighter of all time, and he has made a case for being the greatest Asian boxer of all time. Even long time boxing scholar Burt Sugar has indicated that Pacquiao should be placed in the top 25 of all time, a list that includes Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali. Now, all Pacquiao has to do is finish off an obviously scared Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny's career would be one for story books.
With these stunning sports achievements this year, it only makes sense that Filipino sports fans have a lot to look forward to in 2010. Let's hope 2009 was not a fluke, and that it's a fiery start.
photos courtesy of tonylee.idv.tw, tennis-x.com, wikipedia.com, mannypacquiao.ph and rojo.com
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